Diane Bloomfield, MD, attending pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in Bronx, New York

Pediatrician

Toddler Constipation?

My toddler is constipated! What can I do?

Find some creative ways to increase the amount of fiber in her diet — switch to whole-grain choices, such as whole wheat crackers, whole-grain cereals and brown rice. Also, cut back on the clear juice and whole milk and add in fiber-rich beverages, such as smoothies made with fruit (leave the apple skin on!).

Know that toddlers are able to control when they poop, so it may be that she’s not going as often as she used to. But if she hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than four days, there’s blood in her stool or she’s uncomfortable, consult her pediatrician.